Frito Corn Salad is a vibrant, satisfying, and super easy side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering. The combination of sweet corn, black beans, mini bell peppers, and a creamy mayo dressing makes for a refreshing salad, while the Chili Cheese Fritos add that irresistible crunch and tang. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Why Make This Recipe
Simple to Prepare
This recipe requires minimal preparation and only a few ingredients, making it quick and easy to throw together. It’s perfect when you need a last-minute side dish.
Flavorful and Crunchy
The mix of sweet corn, black beans, and bell peppers provides a delicious balance of textures, while the mayo dressing adds creaminess. The Chili Cheese Fritos not only add crunch but also bring a bold, cheesy flavor that enhances the dish.
Versatile
This corn salad can be served as a side at picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or snack. It’s customizable—add your favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Salad:
- 1 15-ounce can sweet corn, drained: You can use frozen corn instead of canned for a fresher taste. Just cook and cool it before using.
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: If you prefer, you can swap black beans for kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.
- 2 cups mini sweet bell peppers, diced: These peppers add sweetness and crunch, but you can use regular bell peppers in any color if mini peppers aren’t available.
- 3 scallions (green part only), chopped: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Red onions are a great alternative if you want a stronger onion taste.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped: Cilantro adds a fresh, herby note. You can omit it if you’re not a fan or replace it with parsley for a milder flavor.
- 1/2-3/4 cup low-fat mayo: Mayonnaise is the base for the creamy dressing. You can use regular mayo, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free option if you prefer.
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness. You can swap it with Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican blend for a different flavor.
- 1/2 9-ounce bag of Chili Cheese Fritos: These crunchy chips bring flavor and texture to the salad. You can use regular Fritos or any other crunchy snack if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine sweet corn, black beans, mini sweet bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro. Stir until everything is well mixed.
2. Add the Dressing:
- Add low-fat mayo and shredded cheddar cheese to the vegetable and bean mixture. Mix everything until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Fritos:
- Before serving, stir in half of the Chili Cheese Fritos. Be careful not to crush the chips too much; you want to keep some of the crunch intact.
5. Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, creamy, flavorful salad!
How to Serve Frito Corn Salad
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or BBQ dishes. It can also be enjoyed as a light side dish for a picnic or potluck. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but note that the Fritos will lose their crunch over time.
How to Store Frito Corn Salad
Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Note: The Fritos will soften over time, so if you want to keep the salad crisp, it’s best to add the chips just before serving.
Tips to Make Frito Corn Salad
- For extra crunch: Add extra chips right before serving, especially if you plan to make the salad ahead of time.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, you can add a small amount of jalapeño or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Customize: Feel free to add any additional ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or corn kernels for added flavor.
Variations
- Add extra protein: Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp for a more filling salad.
- Vegan option: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese to make this a fully plant-based dish.
- Swap the chips: If you’re not a fan of Chili Cheese Fritos, try using regular Fritos or another crunchy snack like tortilla chips or crushed crackers.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just be sure to add the Fritos just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, fresh corn works great! Just blanch or grill the corn, cut off the kernels, and use them in place of the canned corn.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will last up to 2 days in the fridge, but the chips will soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Conclusion
Frito Corn Salad is the ultimate side dish for any casual gathering, barbecue, or family dinner. The combination of sweet corn, black beans, crunchy chips, and creamy dressing makes for a vibrant and satisfying salad that everyone will love. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Frito Corn Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 15- ounce can sweet corn drained
- 1 15- ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups mini sweet bell peppers diced
- 3 scallions just the green part, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 1/2-3/4 cup low-fat mayo
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 9- ounce bag of Chili Cheese Fritos
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine corn, black beans, bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Add mayo and shredded cheddar cheese, and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in half of the Chili Cheese Fritos.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings